FAQ

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Jacob Spradlin
Frequently Asked Questions Graphic

FACULTY FAQ FOR SIMPLE SYLLABUS (S2)

1. What is Simple Syllabus and why is it used?

  • It’s a centralized, template-driven platform integrated within Blackboard that auto‑imports course info, policies, and syllabus statements, standardizing the student experience while saving you time (Simple Syllabus).
  • It helps campuses comply with accessibility and state policies, which often mandate publishing syllabi ahead of course start dates, especially for GenEd/Core courses.

2. How do I access Simple Syllabus?

  • You can access it via the Blackboard Content Market, within your Bb course.
  • Alternatively, you can reach it through the institution’s Simple Syllabus website using your campus login credentials (e.g. Institutional ID and password).

3. How do I create and publish my syllabus?

  • Use the Simple Syllabus link in your course content OR
  • From the Content Market in your Bb course, click the Simple Syllabus link, and then begin filling in your syllabus components. You can add and edit entries on your syllabus, although a handful of components are not editable. These components are required syllabus policies that all SHSU syllabi are expected to contain.
  • Once you have edited your syllabus and added your components to it, you can select Preview (to view your current progress) and Submit (once your syllabus is finalized).
  • Your syllabus will be saved automatically as you type.
  • Only after clicking Submit will the syllabus be visible to students. If you edit it afterward, you may need to refresh the page to see changes.

4. Who can edit the syllabus?

  • Only the designated Instructor of Record can edit and publish a syllabus.
  • Teaching Assistants and Instructional Designers do not have editing rights to your course syllabus.
  • However, Instructional Designers and other SHSU Online staff can assist you with your syllabus setup.

5. Why can’t I change certain fields?

  • University-level details like course title, schedule, instructor email, catalog description, accessibility and integrity policies are locked and auto-populate from campus systems.
  • If these details are incorrect, please contact SHSU Online.

6. Can I import a syllabus from a previous term or another section?

  • Yes. You can import an existing syllabus from another course or section where you’re the instructor of record. It can also auto-load the most recent version if teaching the same course.

7. How do assignment due dates work?

  • Assignment schedules will sync automatically from Blackboard, but you may edit or manually enter them as well.

8. Can I include customized or additional components?

  • Yes. You can add extra content like instructor bio, course highlights, images, study tips, success strategies, or sections tailored to your learning objectives.

9. Can I download or print a PDF?

  • Yes—Simple Syllabus offers a PDF export of your syllabus.

10. When can students see the published syllabus?

  • Once you’ve clicked Submit, the syllabus is immediately visible per the selected access level. To view it from a student’s perspective, use Preview within Simple Syllabus.

11. What if students change sections or enroll late?

  • If you edit the syllabus later in the term and submit again, those changes automatically update for all enrolled students. No manual transfer or upload is needed.

Where can I get help?

15. Tips for Efficiency & Quality

  • Use template features smartly: Set up a syllabus once, then import into multiple sections or terms.
  • Customize strategically: Add welcoming content like bios, engagement tips, or key competencies.
  • Build for compliance and clarity: Make sure required policies & dates are visible and correct.
  • Preview often: Preview before and after submission to confirm what students will see.